How to Choose Floor Lamps For Your Living Room

Did you know that a basic floor lamp model can cost $50, while the more stylish counterparts can be as costly as $1000? In fact, some of the art deco or Tiffany models range between 1000 USD to one million USD! Therefore, if you plan to invest in one of these products, it is always recommended that you go through the most popular options available in the market before taking your pick.

Huge Variety of Floor Lamp Options

Some common types of floor lamps, ranging from traditional to modern lamps, are listed here:

Torchiere Despite being the most popular type of floor lamp, very few people recognize them as a Torchiere. A general lamp with a big luminous head and pole-like neck is the easiest way to identify them. They provide adequate light due to their design, while the open head directs light to the roof, dispersion from sides and bottom areas make them fit for everyday use. People can also add dimmers to add an aesthetic appeal to these lights. Prior to purchase, one needs to make sure that the neck is strong enough to support the weight of the head.

Club lamps Comprising a base, a stick or pole and a shade, club lamps are the second most popular type of lamps which facilitate general lighting needs. They are generally bolted, which makes them a fairly permanent installation. However, depending on the power consumption, they can have the 3-way socket or a twin pull "S" socket. Another type of the club lamp has adjustable height too, with a glass tray inserted at table height level. This tray can be used for storing stuff or displaying showpieces that make the lamp serve decorative purposes as well.

Six-way lamps As the name suggests, a six-way lamp can emit light in six different directions. This is possible due to light sources that are pointed in six different directions around the body of the lamp. The head of a six-way floor lamp is very big and is generally placed at a height in order to facilitate illumination of large rooms. All the bulbs might not operate simultaneously; some floor lamps have the option to power up alternate bulbs when less light is required.

Tower lamp These are generally single pieces lamps that have multiple lights placed around its body. Due to their structure, these lamps are visually appealing even when they are not powered up. They resemble a sculpture diffusing light through its translucent body. The shade covers the entire lamp and has some natural scene painted on it. The most famous tower floor lamp would is the Asian style lanterns that can even be used as a focal point in any room.

Typically more affordable than hardwired light fixtures, floor lamps are still not cheap. Extremely inexpensive styles are easy to spot (cheap-looking), and not recommended. For your investment, be sure to purchase a lamp that looks terrific and is equally functional in your home. Follow these expert tips for choosing and using them in your home.

Choose the proper height. A floor lamp's light should fall in a way that's useful, not invasive or glaring. If you place a very tall one next to your sofa, the glare from the bulb underneath might be annoying and not conducive at all to socializing in a calm environment. Make sure the lamp's light is diffused nicely, in the proper direction; selecting a piece with a flattering shade will help.

Draw attention to your best assets. Besides being a wonderful task lighting option, did you know floor lamps can provide accent lighting? Consider using one to draw the eye toward your favorite home accent pieces, like a favorite piece of artwork or decor.

Choose a flattering style. From ultra-sleek and contemporary to traditional (think: tasseled shades), floor lamps are available in a myriad of designs. Because they help "define" space in a big way, much like other lighting fixtures, choose one that coordinates well with your existing decor. Some of the today's prominent trends include:

Mid-Century styling ("candlestick" silhouettes, curvy bases)Brightly colored, matte finishesSheer fabric shadesBold fabric patternsDrum shadesPlace for optimal convenience. Look around your space: where do you find yourself hanging out most often? If you read the newspaper in your easy chair each morning, place a floor lamp there. If your kids do their homework in the dining room, it might make sense there as well. Many even have coordinating table lamp (or other fixture) options available, so you can truly layer your lighting effectively.

Consider the switch. Standard switches for include a knob or pull chain under the shade. Some are available with 3-way switch options or even dimming switches, which allows you to adjust the brightness (ideal for mood setting!). Still, others come with line switches or foot switches at the cord, which is convenient in some situations.

Use a compact fluorescent for energy savings. Compact fluorescent bulbs can be substituted for incandescent bulbs in just about any fixture (though you may not be able to adjust the brightness with 3-way switches). If you plan on leaving your lamp on for extended periods of time, it's definitely worth considering this energy savi